Truck Mounted Boilers: Where They're Used in the Oilfield

Truck mounted boilers — also called mobile boilers or steam boilers — are another piece of oilfield service equipment that you don't think about until you need it. They're used to generate hot water or steam, which is used for all kinds of oilfield operations. From paraffin removal to well stimulation to pipeline cleaning, truck mounted boilers are essential equipment.

Where Truck Mounted Boilers Are Used

Truck mounted boilers are used everywhere there's oil and gas activity. Here are some of the most common applications:

- Paraffin removal: This is the most common use. Hot oil or water is pumped down the well, to melt paraffin wax buildup. Truck mounted boilers heat the fluid.
- Well stimulation: Hot oiling and hot water flushing are used to stimulate well production. The boiler heats the fluid.
- Pipeline cleaning: Pipelines get clogged with wax, scale, and other deposits. Truck mounted boilers generate hot water, which is pumped through the pipeline to clean it.
- Equipment cleaning: Oilfield equipment gets dirty. Hot water from a truck mounted boiler is used to clean tanks, rigs, and other equipment.
- Ice and snow melting: In cold climates, truck mounted boilers are used to melt ice and snow on well pads, roads, and equipment.
- Construction and dewatering: Truck mounted boilers are also used for construction projects — dewatering, curing concrete, and more.

Who Uses Truck Mounted Boilers?

Truck mounted boilers are used by:

- Oilfield service companies: Most service companies have a few truck mounted boilers, as part of their well service offering. They use them for paraffin removal, well flushing, and other jobs.
- Oil companies: Many oil companies own their own truck mounted boilers, especially in remote areas where service companies are scarce.
- Construction companies: Construction companies use truck mounted boilers for dewatering, concrete curing, and other jobs.
- Industrial companies: Industrial companies use truck mounted boilers for all kinds of applications — cleaning, heating, and more.

How Do Truck Mounted Boilers Work?

Truck mounted boilers are basically big boilers mounted on a truck chassis. They burn diesel or natural gas, to heat water or generate steam. The hot water or steam is then pumped through hoses, to wherever it's needed.

Most truck mounted boilers are fire-tube boilers — hot gases from the burner flow through tubes, which are surrounded by water. The water gets heated by the tubes, and turns into hot water or steam. The boiler is controlled by a computerized control system, which maintains the temperature and pressure automatically.

FAQ

Q: How much heat does a truck mounted boiler produce?
A: Most truck mounted boilers produce 500,000 to 2 million BTU per hour. The most common size is 1 million BTU per hour. Bigger boilers can produce more, but they need a bigger truck chassis.